Budget 2025–26 delivers for now and the future

Safer roads, projects that unite us and delivering the services our community enjoys every day are at the heart of a ‘future-focused and responsible’ 2025–26 Sunshine Coast Council Budget.

Council will achieve this while limiting the minimum general rate rise to $2.10 per week for the majority of owner-occupier ratepayers.

Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Budget was shaped by a clear message from the community about what’s most important – along with a need for strong, responsible decision-making amidst rising costs and economic pressures.

“We have listened to our residents. We know they expect us to be responsible and to use ratepayer money wisely,” Mayor Natoli said.

“The results of our Living on The Sunshine Coast Survey, which has now run for five years, tell us that access to the environment, reducing congestion on our roads and creating a sense of community are among your top priorities.

“We’ve looked hard at the numbers and we’re making the tough calls now to achieve those top priorities.

Easing the burden on households

“We also know many in our community are doing it tough. That’s why we’re doing everything to minimise the impact on households, while still delivering the services and infrastructure that will benefit our community now and into the future.

“We’re not sugarcoating it – this is difficult. But we are doing what’s right and we have a plan.

“We have worked to reduce the minimum general rate rise, we've increased pensioner concessions and are offering interest-free payment plans to ease cost-of-living pressures.

“Plus, we know that protecting our Sunshine Coast lifestyle is a high priority for our residents.

“Council is committing $262.3 million to infrastructure that supports our growing needs.

“We’re making considered choices to keep our region financially strong while maintaining services and delivering much-needed infrastructure projects.

“We are investing in what matters to you: safer roads, better parks and the services that support our everyday lives in creating a connected, liveable and thriving community.”

Budget services and program highlights:

• We will invest $30.2 million in maintaining and improving sealed and unsealed roads so our residents can all move around safely and efficiently.
• There will be many lifestyle benefits for locals and visitors thanks to the $22.4 million allocated for park amenities, turf and landscape maintenance.
• More than $11 million will go towards sand renourishment on our beaches, protecting treasured coastal areas impacted by erosion.
• $23 million will be invested in our libraries, which have seen a staggering 37,000 extra people sign up in the past two years.
• We are helping our community groups continue their great work, with $4.4 million being invested in grants and partnerships.
• We will also back major events that attract business and promote our area with $2.5 million in funding.

We’re managing for growth

Mayor Natoli said Council had considered a range of options, including higher rate increases, but instead chose a path that balanced financial responsibility with compassion.

“Our ratepayers shouldn’t bear the full cost and nor will they,” she said.

“We are reviewing our services, tightening our belt and making sure every dollar counts. This is our promise to you.”

More than 60 per cent of owner-occupiers will remain on the minimum general rate of $1,586.30 per annum – an increase of $2.10 per week.

Waste charges have increased, reflecting the true cost of service delivery – such as weekly waste collections, recycling and safe landfill management – and the impact of the State Government’s Waste Levy.

The standard 240 litre wheelie bin (general waste and recycling) and the 240 litre garden organics bin collection services will rise a total of $2.35 a week.

"A portion of this increase in residential bin collection fees is due to the State Government’s Waste Levy, which adds $37.70 to the cost of a standard 240 litre bin service this year,” Mayor Natoli said.

“While Council receives $10.3 million to offset this, it falls well short of the $26 million we must pay. We have no control over this bin tax.

“As our community grows, so too does the demand on waste services. We are investing in long-term projects to manage this responsibly and avoid higher costs in the future.

“These aren’t quick fixes. They are critical upgrades to protect our environment and ensure we don’t run out of landfill space.

“We’re acting now to avoid much higher costs to both Council and our ratepayers in the future.”

Key projects include a major upgrade to the Nambour Resource Recovery Centre at Bli Bli ($4.02 million), major works at the Caloundra Landfill ($1.22 million), Caloundra Resource Recovery Centre ($3.4 million), a master plan for Caloundra Resource Recovery Centre ($100,000) and designing and constructing new landfill cells at Nambour ($350,000), to ensure we have the space and infrastructure to manage residual waste responsibly.

Levies

To ease pressure on ratepayers, Council has frozen the Environment Levy ($82 per annum) and the Arts and Heritage Levy ($20 per annum) and reduced the Transport Levy by $3.08 to $43.92 per annum, by pausing the Futures Fund contribution this year.  

Environment Levy

The Environment Levy will remain at $82 per annum, ensuring the protection of our natural environment.

Mayor Natoli said Council was reaffirming its commitment to protecting and enhancing our environment, allocating funding to vital environmental initiatives in the upcoming financial year.

This investment will support a wide range of projects aimed at preserving native wildlife, restoring waterways, and safeguarding our coastline.

Key allocations include:

• More than $300,000 to support threatened and iconic species such as koalas, shorebirds, and marine turtles.
• More than $600,000 for new projects to restore waterways and improve water quality.
• $1.1 million to manage invasive plants and animals across the region.
• $1.8 million for the ongoing maintenance of Council’s Environment Levy Conservation Estate.
• More than $1.7 million through the Healthy Coast program for coastal dune rehabilitation, shoreline erosion management, and coastal health monitoring.

Mayor Natoli said the Environment Levy played a crucial role in protecting our native plants and animals, waterways and wetlands, and coastal areas.

“It also supports Council’s conservation estate, ensuring long-term habitat preservation, catchment management and coastal resilience,” she said.

Council remains committed to delivering real outcomes for our environment and the community, ensuring our natural assets are protected for future generations.

The Arts and Heritage Levy

The Arts and Heritage Levy will remain at $20, with $3.16 million to support the region’s cultural heritage and creative industries.

The program will fund heritage initiatives under the Sunshine Coast Heritage Plan 2021–2031, including conservation of key sites like Bankfoot House, support for community museums, and programs that preserve and share local stories.

It will also underpin the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023–2038, delivering career pathways for local artists and growing community participation and audiences.

Mayor Natoli said the levy reflected the vital role arts and heritage played in shaping community identity and cultural vitality.

“It will continue to support the growth of our Horizon Festival and contribute to the Cultural Olympiad futures fund, helping deliver a world-class cultural program in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mayor Natoli said.

Transport Levy

The Transport Levy has been reduced by $3.08 per property, and is now at $43.92, with $6.94 million to deliver safer and more accessible transport options across the region.

Mayor Natoli said Council remained focused on protecting vulnerable pedestrians, with $3.3 million allocated to priority safety projects near schools, retirement villages, and medical facilities.

“Supporting our young, elderly, and those with mobility challenges to move safely around our region is a top priority,” Mayor Natoli said.

The levy will also continue to fund:

• Trialling transport services including Flexilink (Conondale–Maleny, Peachester–Beerwah), Council Link, and Kenilworth Community Transport.
• A partnership with Translink to trial a late-night transport service for the Maroochydore Entertainment Precinct in the vicinity of Ocean Street and explore options for Nambour.
• Investigating a high-frequency, hop-on, hop-off coastal bus service between Sunshine Cove, Maroochydore, and Alexandra Headland.
• Continued planning for major public transport infrastructure, including the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project and the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail project.

Transitory Accommodation

Council is also adjusting the transitory accommodation rate category to encourage more houses back into the long-term rental market.

“We need more homes for locals,” Mayor Natoli said.

“This change supports a more balanced housing system.

“I want to acknowledge that many unit owners, particularly in hotel precincts, cannot rent to long-term tenants.

“That’s why the transitory accommodation rate increase for units will be more modest, aligned with the increase applied to all other rate categories.”

Helping our most vulnerable

Mayor Natoli said this Budget recognised the cost-of-living pressures many residents were facing.

“We understand these pressures are real,” she said.

“That’s why we’re increasing pensioner concessions, collectively saving our pensioners $5 million this financial year.

“A single pensioner on a full pension will now receive a concession of $326.60 per year (an increase of $22.60), while a pensioner couple on a full pension will receive $255.60 per year (an increase of $17.60).

“Single and couple part pensioners will now receive a concession of $163.30 (an increase of $11.30) and $93.40 (an increase of $6.40) per year, respectively.

“Council is also offering six-month interest-free payment plans for ratepayers.

“If you’re interested, please reach out before the due date. We’re here to help and no interest will be charged.”

Why have some charges gone up?

Mayor Natoli said the Budget reflected the rising costs of maintaining and improving a large and fast-growing region.

“This budget has been balanced with the challenge of ever-increasing costs of delivering infrastructure and services,” Mayor Natoli said.

“We’re responsible for beaches, parks, roads and coastal and hinterland communities across nearly 2300 square kilometres – home to 365,000 people, a number forecast to grow by another 100,000 people over the next 10 years.

“This growth, combined with rising expenses, has significantly increased the cost to maintain roads, parks, libraries, community and sporting facilities, water and sewerage systems and our environment, all driven by higher prices for materials, labour, fuel and power.’’

Mayor Natoli said examples of cost increases included plant and equipment hire, which had risen 37.5 per cent compared to the previous financial year, a 15 per cent hike in fuel, almost 8 per cent rise in contract services and a 5.6 per cent increase in water and sewerage charges.

“As part of our financial reset, we’ve also reviewed how we calculate depreciation. 

“This updated approach ensures our budget more accurately reflects the true cost of maintaining infrastructure and planning for future investment.

“Council has factored these rising costs into the 2025–26 Budget to ensure essential services can continue to meet community needs.”

A reset for the future – cutting costs

Council has launched a full financial reset, starting with a priority-based budgeting approach for 2026–27 that requires every dollar to be justified.

“This reset is about transparency, accountability and making sure every dollar delivers value,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Council has already saved $8.9 million by pausing recruitment and managing vacancies – a measure that will continue.

“A further $5.5 million in productivity improvements is being delivered through service reviews, with $7.5 million in savings from vacancy management.

“We’ve reviewed every spending bid and asked all areas to look for efficiencies.

“No frontline services will be cut and we’re holding the CEO and the new executive responsible for delivering these savings.

“This Council is resetting how we budget. This is the first step in an ambitious program to strengthen Council’s financial position, with every decision focused on what matters most to our community.

“Every dollar is being spent wisely and with purpose. We’re prioritising what you have told us is important, and we are planning ahead.”

Pillars of success

Mayor Natoli said Council’s 2025–26 Budget would support Council’s key pillars of creating strong communities, caring for our environment, building a resilient local economy, delivering service excellence and managing for growth.

This Budget includes:

• $129 million to develop a strong community (roads, cycleways and pathways; community venues; disaster management; libraries; lifeguards; public lighting; and sporting facilities).
• $343 million to maintain and enhance our environment and liveability (beaches, foreshore, coastal infrastructure and canals; recreation parks, trails; facilities; stormwater drainage; waste; and resource management).
• $35 million to build our resilient economy (economic development; investment attraction; tourism; major event sponsorship; and holidays parks).
• $380 million to deliver service excellence and manage for growth (planning, building approvals, development assessments; cemeteries; public open spaces; local laws; public health; customer service; and road network management).

“Connected, liveable and thriving are the three powerful principles that underpin our 2025–30 Corporate Plan and our vision – and they are also at the heart of this Budget,” Mayor Natoli said.

“We are determined to work together and with our community to propel the Sunshine Coast towards a united, healthy and prosperous future.

“Our community is at the heart of every decision we are making.”

Council handed down its Budget on July 7.

For further information on Sunshine Coast Council’s 2025–26 Budget, including the capital works highlights in each division, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/budget.

2025–26 Capital Works Program highlights include:

• $15.2 million: Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU)
• $13 million : Mooloolaba Foreshore Stage 2 – Central Meeting Place* + $5 million for Southern Parkland seawall project ⁺
• $7.9 million : First Avenue Streetscape, Maroochydore ⁺  
• $6.8 million : Honey Farm Clubhouse construction, Meridan Plains ⁺ + $3 million for bulk earth works + $2.8 million for soccer fields establishment and $2 million for sports precinct. Also $3.25 million for cricket field, soccer synthetic field, wetlands embellishments and sports and events amenities
• $5.72 million: Petrie Creek Road Shoulder Widening - Paynters Creek Road to  Celestine Place, Rosemount *  
• $4.5 million: North Arm Road gravel road upgrade at North Arm
• $4.2 million : Camp Flat Road upgrade Stage 4, Bli Bli*        
• $5.5 million: Moffat Beach seawall stabilisation works*
• $3.48 million: Kings Beach Surf Life Saving facility  
• $2.975 million: Maple Street - Maleny Streetscape, Maleny ⁺    
• $2.8 million : Alex Bluff Foreshore coastal pathway, Alexandra Headland* 
• $2.56 million Golden Beach Foreshore upgrade – TS Onslow to Nelson Street*
• $2.35 million: Kawana Waters Regional Aquatic Centre, Bokarina + $1.085 million for 25 metre pool resurface
• $2.274 million : Caloundra Aerodrome masterplan works
• $2 million : School Road Stage 1, Maroochydore
• $1.999 million: Karawatha Drive cycle lanes, Mountain Creek*            
• $1.77 million : Caloundra Centre activation - Library 
• $1.22 million: Caloundra South Clubhouses at Baringa and Nirimba - construction
• $1.05 million : blackspot fix – Beerburrum Street and Cooroy Street intersection, Dicky Beach* 
• $1.05 million : Namba Place Revitalisation Project, Nambour*            
• $950,000: Eumundi Town Centre placemaking – Stage 1, Eumundi*          
• $950,000 : South Coolum Road new pathway, Coolum Beach*   
• $920,000: Quota Park fishway construction, Nambour ⁺
• $830,000 : Briggs Park - Rugby League and Cricket change rooms, Palmwoods
• $800,000 : Eudlo School Road - new pathway, Eudlo
• $595,000: blackspot fix – Dulong Road, Dulong*
• $509,500: blackspot fix – Bellvista Boulevard, Caloundra West raised zebra crossing on southern leg
• $500,000: Sunshine Coast Ecological Park Phase 3 – detailed design, Bald Knob   
• $350,000: Beerwah Resource Recovery Centre upgrade of hardstands and investigations for new site to replace current centre

^*Proudly funded by the Queensland Government in association with Sunshine Coast Council         

⁺Proudly funded by the Federal Government in association with Sunshine Coast Council